Corneal confocal microscopy: a novel biomarker of small fibre neuropathy in SLE.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is an under-recognised complication of SLE that contributes to chronic pain and reduced quality of life. We assessed the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) for identifying small fibre damage in SLE in relation to disease activity, neuropathic pain and quality of life.

Methods

Participants with SLE and healthy controls underwent CCM to quantify corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), corneal nerve fibre tortuosity (CNFT), inferior whorl length (IWL), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) Score, vibration perception threshold (VPT) and sudomotor function.

Results

Participants with SLE (n=59; age 38.6±9.6 years; mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity I

SUBMITTER: Gharib MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12551467 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature